Tuesday

Feb 16, 2016 at 12:01 AMFeb 17, 2016 at 9:42 AM

Construction cranes on the horizon often are viewed as signs of economic vitality. But an expected lack of skilled workers to operate those cranes - and lay pipe and install plumbing and electrical systems - worries the industry locally and nationally as demand grows.

Construction cranes on the horizon often are viewed as signs of economic vitality. But an expected lack of skilled workers to operate those cranes - and lay pipe and install plumbing and electrical systems - worries the industry locally and nationally as demand grows.

Hiring in Columbus has been strong for several years, consistently exceeding the national average of about 4 percent annual growth in the years since the recession. That has inspired construction companies and developers across central Ohio to take steps to encourage more young people to take up construction as a vocation, fearing that growing demand for such skills and a wave of baby boomer retirements will combine to result in a severe worker shortage in a few years.

A survey released in January by the Associated General Contractors of America found that worker shortages were the top concern of Ohio construction companies, followed by rising labor costs and worker quality. About half of Ohio companies surveyed said they have been using pay increases, incentives and bonuses alone or combined to retain and recruit craft professionals.

"The shortage of qualified subcontractors and tradespeople is hurting us very much," said Frank Kass, founding partner of Columbus' Continental Real Estate. "It can effect the timeliness, pricing and quality of all our projects."

The numbers locally tell the tale. Growth in construction hiring peaked at 16 percent year-over-year in early 2015. And it could have grown even more during the past couple of years "if contractors could find the workers with the skills they want," said Kenneth D. Simonson, chief economist for the AGC's national office.

"As it is, some contractors say they are making do with less-skilled workers and having them work longer hours, using more off-site manufacturing to replace work that would have been done by construction workers, and improving efficient utilization of workers," Simonson said.

And it's not just the trades that are seeking workers: Also in short supply are some professional positions such as construction managers and engineers.

The Columbus-based Ohio office of the AGC has become active in addressing the issue. Late last year, the organization launched BuildOhio.org, billed as "the first Ohio-specific website that educates people about careers in construction" and about educational paths to industry jobs.

The AGC and local companies also have been working with Columbus City Schools to increase vocational and technical training for students, with an emphasis on the construction trades and "soft skills"- basics such as exhibiting good work habits and getting along with others on the job - that employers often say are lacking in students coming out of high school in recent years.

Becoming a skilled tradesman does take time and commitment, generally requiring an apprenticeship stint, but it can offer a student who lacks a four-year college degree a path to work that pays well.

Industry executives say that message seems to have been lost in recent years as high schools have emphasized the merits of a university education.

"We're trying to convince students that this is a great way to make a living. (But) it can be an uphill battle," said Josh Corna, president of Westerville-based construction company Corna Kokosing.

Corna said his company has put more effort into recruiting, including participating in job fairs and apprenticeship programs.

Jim Smith, CEO of Columbus-based construction company Elford Inc., said he's seeing the start of a shift in attitudes toward trade and vocational training among K-12 schools, but it can't come fast enough.

"The average age of the work force is way too high," Smith said. "By 2020, if we don't take action now, we'll have a really severe problem."

mrose@dispatch.com

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